DOCSLIB.ORG

A Note on Artificial Regeneration of Acacia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Note on Artificial Regeneration of Acacia The Pakistan Journal of Forestry Vol.61(1), 2011 STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF PHEASANTS IN KAGHAN VALLEY Mian Muhammad Shafiq1 and Muhammad Saqib2 ABSTRACT Pheasants are the most beautiful birds in the world. Out of 49 species of pheasant found in the world five species i.e. Monal, (Lophoporus impejanus) koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha), Kalij (Lophura leucomelana) and western horned (Gragopan melanocephalus) are found in Pakistan while four (4) species i.e. Monal, Koklass, Kalij and Western horned Tragopan are found in the study areas of Kaghan valley. This study was conducted in the Kaghan valley to know about the status and conservation of pheasants. A questionnaire was designed and the villages were selected which were located near the reserve forest. Samples of 60 persons were detailed interviewed. The study revealed that the climate and topography of target area provides good habitat to pheasants, but impediments such as illegal hinting, poaching and human interference are the main causes for the decline in population. However after declaring some areas of the Kaghan valley as National park and wildlife sanctuary has considerably contributed in the increase of pheasant population. The major earthquake in 2005 in the area had considerably decreased the population of pheasants as well as it has damaged the habitat of pheasants. It is recommended that there should be control on deforestation, habitat improvement and awareness raising campaign should be carried out. INTRODUCTION Pheasants are the gallinaceous birds with beautiful, brilliant, multicolored and highly ornamental species plumage. (Agha Tahir, 1987). There are similarities and variations in body color among the male and female members of the same species and the species belonging to other genera. Pheasants belong to a family that include some of the most beautiful birds in the world, Birds such as the golden pheasant famous in the Chinese art, have delighted and benefited man for centuries (McGowan 1995, Howman, 1993). Within the order Galliformes the pheasants comprise a very huge family with over 16 Genera amongst which there are 49 distinct species and sub species (13) occurring on this sub continent. The layman would recognize most of these a “game birds” because of their extremely palatable with flesh generally large size short rounded wings with swift and often noisy flight and so forth. Not all the phaisianides are brightly colored, for example the genus Lerwa to which the mountain partridges belongs include three species occurring in Pakistan and all characterized by such drab cryptic coloration as to be almost invisible against the rocky terrain which they inhabit. However, the only the true pheasants of the tribe phasianini, that is the western horned Tragopan, Monal, Kalij, Koklass and the Cheer. Though these are not closely related and infect belong to 5 separate Genera. All these pheasants are forest dwellers but occupy distinct ecological niches (which correspond roughly to altitudinal zones). 1 Deputy Conservator of Wildlife, Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar 2 M.Sc Forestry student at Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar The Pakistan Journal of Forestry Vol.61(1), 2011 Monal Pheasant Western Horned Tragopan Kalij Pheasant Koklass Pheasant Cheer Pheasant 30 The Pakistan Journal of Forestry Vol.61(1), 2011 All but one of the 49 species comes from Asia these birds can be split in to 2 group, high altitude species which are totally hardy to snow and frost, living mainly in the Himalayas or the higher mountain areas of China, Japan, Taiwan and low altitude species (mainly from Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines). Which in certain cases need heat and protection to survive winters with below freezing temperature? (IUCN, 1998). Some true pheasants are the resident species of Himalayas, mainly Hazara, Swat, Chitral, Murree Hills, Kashmir and some part of Northern Areas of Pakistan. They inhibit an altitudinal range of 1,000 meters to 4,000 meters and shift their zones according to the seasons i.e. they go higher up with the increase in temperature and snow melt and come down with the decrease in temperature and snowfall. Coniferous forests are the natural abode of the species. Most f the pheasant roost on trees at night. As pheasants spend much of their time on the ground, therefore they walk and run well and also use their strong feet and bills to scratch and dig the ground in search of food. They are omnivore’s feeder but seeds and barriers are basic diet of majority, out of breeding seasons (Delacour, 1951). All pheasants species are either threatened or vulnerable due to habitat disturbances in most of their native range, according to the IUCN Red data book over one third of total species of pheasants are officially listed as endanger of extinction from their native habitat (Howman 1993, IUCN, 2006). Pheasants have always been a source of attraction fro human beings the reason behind this attraction and interest is their protein (IUCN, 1998) Pheasants therefore yield significant importance and economic benefits to human population (IUCN), 1998) REVIEW OF LITERATURE Phasianidae is a large family that contains most of the gallinaceous birds of the world, including the ancestral chicken and the ancestral peacock. Ornithologists and taxonomists established the relationship of pheasants with old world partridges, quail and francolin species. Peter (1934), Johnsgard (1973, 1986 and 1999) suggested that the phasianinae should be split into two tribe, Phasianini and perdicini, quail and francolin should be placed in perdicine tribe (IUCN 1994 and 1998). Sibley and Monroe (1990 and 1993) classified the pheasants and old world partridge, quail and francolin species as the family Phasianidae and they excluded grouse and New World quails from this family (IUCN, 1994). Considering the group as a whole, the Galliformes or fowl like birds, are unquestionably low in the scale of avian evolution (Beebe, 1936). DNA hybridization analysis is a more reliable tool to classify species on the basis of their genetic composition and affinities. Recent molecular evidence shows that both the grouse and turkey lineages are embedded within the larger pheasant/partridge assemblage (Dimcheff et al. 2002). There are 49 species of pheasants and peafowl (McGowan 1995, Howman, 1993). Pheasants generally occur from Flores, which is in the east of java, at about 8 degrees south, through the equatorial forests of the Thai-Malay peninsula, to northeastern China at about 50 degrees North. Pheasants also occur all along the Himalayan chain and extends as far east as Taiwan at 121 degrees East and Japan at 31 The Pakistan Journal of Forestry Vol.61(1), 2011 145 degrees East (IUCN, 1998). This group is Asian in their native distributions, except Congo peafowl, which is endemic to the Democratic republic of Congo in central Africa (Crowe et al. 1986; Howman, 1993, IUCN, 1994). Pheasant species range from sea level to 4,200 m and can be easily divided into two groups, high elevation species, which inhabit the snow-bound habitats of the Himalayas and the higher mountain ranges of China, Japan and Taiwan, and low elevation species, which need heat and protection to survive winter with below freezing temperatures. Low elevation species are found mainly in Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines (Howman, 1993). Red jungle fowl is another important member of family phasiaidae which inhabit the middle of the upper extreme of the altitudinal profile. The incredible variety of domestic poultry, such as polish bantams, millefleurs, brahmas, battery hens and fighting cocks are all derived from the Red jungle fowl (Howman, 1993). Almost all pheasant species are exploited in their native habitat by local communities and visiting hunters. This exploitation intensity ranges from simply local provision of food and eggs to using pheasants as a tool for economic and social improvement through sustainable use programs (Simiyu, 1998, IUCN, 1998). Sixteen species have been introduced outside of their natural ranges for ornamental purposes, hunting, eggs and meat collection, or for feathers (Long, 1981). Several species have been introduced into various parts of Europe and North America, as a game bird (Bump, 1941, Pokorny and Pikula, 1987, Hill and Robertson, 1988a). The most important among these introduced species is ring-necked pheasant which was introduced to Europe from Asia minor and later from China and Japan, over 1,000 years ago (Long 1981). Today the ring-necked pheasant has become a major hunted species in Europe and North America. In Europe alone over 22 million birds are harvested annually, whereas in North America about 9.5 million birds are killed by the small game hunters and hence generate revenue and employment that benefits landowners and local communities (Aebischer, 1997a). Pheasants have a vast range of habitat preferences. Most pheasant species inhabit dense, wooded forests. These habitats range from lowland tropical rainforest and mountain tropical forest to temperate coniferous forests. Examples of some of the pheasant species which are found in these forests are Mountain Peacock Pheasant and Western Horned Tragopan. Some pheasant species prefer open habitats such as sub- alpine scrub (e.g. blood pheasant), alpine meadows (Chinese Monal) and grasslands. All pheasant species are either threatened or vulnerable due to habitat disturbances in most of their native range. According to the (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red Data Book, over one-third of total species of pheasants are officially listed as in danger of extinction from their native habitat (Howman, 1993, IUCN, 2006). Pheasants have always been a source of attraction for humans. The reason behind this attraction and interest is their beautiful feathers. They are also easy to trap or shoot and they are a rich source of protein (IUCN, 1998). Pheasants therefore yield significant importance and economic benefits to human populations (IUCN, 1998). All pheasant species in their natural habitat face a number of threats (IUCN, 1998).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Status of Galliformes in Pipar Pheasant Reserve and Santel, Annapurna, Nepal
    Status of Galliformes in Pipar Pheasant Reserve and Santel, Annapurna, Nepal 1 2 3 4 LAXMAN P. POUDYAL *, NAVEEN K. MAHATO , PARAS B. SINGH , POORNESWAR SUBEDI , HEM S. BARAL 5 and PHILIP J. K. MCGOWAN 6 1 Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, PO Box 860, Babarmahal, Kathmandu, Nepal. 2 Red Panda Network – Nepal, PO Box 21477, Kathmandu, Nepal. 3 Biodiversity Conservation Society, PO Box 24304, Kathmandu, Nepal. 4 Department of Forests, Kathmandu, Nepal. 5 Bird Conservation Nepal, PO Box 12465, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal. 6 World Pheasant Association, Newcastle University Biology Field Station, Close House Estate, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 0HT UK. *Correspondence author - [email protected] Paper presented at the 4 th International Galliformes Symposium, 2007, Chengdu, China. Abstract The Galliformes of Pipar have been surveyed seven times between 1979 and 1998. The nearby area of Santel was surveyed using comparable methods in 2001. In continuance of the long- term monitoring at Pipar and to provide a second count at Santel, dawn call counts were conducted in both areas, using the same survey points as previous surveys, between 29 th April and 9 th May 2005. The aim of those surveys was to collect information on the status of pheasants and partridges and to look for any changes over time. In both areas, galliform numbers were higher in 2005 than in previous surveys, for most species. For each species there was no evidence of decline since the first counts were conducted nearly 30 years ago. Both areas provide good habitat for Galliformes and disturbance is not a serious issue.
    [Show full text]
  • The Eco-Ethology of the Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis Virgorsil
    THE ECO-ETHOLOGY OF THE KAROO KORHAAN EUPODOTIS VIGORSII. BY M.G.BOOBYER University of Cape Town SUBMITIED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (ORNITHOLOGY) UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN RONDEBOSCH 7700 CAPE TOWN The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgement of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or non- commercial research purposes only. Published by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. University of Cape Town University of Cape Town PREFACE The study of the Karoo Korhaan allowed me a far broader insight in to the Karoo than would otherwise have been possible. The vast openness of the Karoo is a monotony to those who have not stopped and looked. Many people were instrumental in not only encouraging me to stop and look but also in teaching me to see. The farmers on whose land I worked are to be applauded for their unquestioning approval of my activities and general enthusiasm for studies concerning the veld and I am particularly grateful to Mnr. and Mev. Obermayer (Hebron/Merino), Mnr. and Mev. Steenkamp (Inverdoorn), Mnr. Bothma (Excelsior) and Mnr. Van der Merwe. Alwyn and Joan Pienaar of Bokvlei have my deepest gratitude for their generous hospitality and firm friendship. Richard and Sue Dean were a constant source of inspiration throughout the study and their diligence and enthusiasm in the field is an example to us all.
    [Show full text]
  • Epidemiology of Influenza Virus H5n1 in Islamabad Capital Territory by Zahida Fatima (2005-Va-246) a Thesis Submitted in the Pa
    EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFLUENZA VIRUS H5N1 IN ISLAMABAD CAPITAL TERRITORY BY ZAHIDA FATIMA (2005-VA-246) A THESIS SUBMITTED IN THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY & ANIMAL SCIENCES, LAHORE (2015) To The Controller of Examinations, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. We, the supervisory committee, certify that the contents and form of the thesis, submitted by ZAHIDA FATIMA, Regd. No. 2005-VA-246 been found satisfactory and recommend that it be processed for the evaluation by the External Examiner(s) for the award of the degree. PROF. DR. MUHAMMAD ATHAR KHAN _______________________ SUPERVISOR DR. KHALID NAEEM _______________________ CO-SUPERVISOR PROF.DR. MANSOOR UD DIN AHMAD _______________________ MEMBER PROF.DR. KHUSI MUHAMMAD ______________________ MEMBER DEDICATED TO MY LATE FATHER MAY HIS SOUL REST IN BEST PEACE (AAMEEN) i () In the name of Allah the most magnificent and the most beneficent. All praise for ALLAH All Mighty who has the control and command of each and every thing. It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. But those firms in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.
    [Show full text]
  • Behaviour Patterns of the Cage-Housed Breeding Flock of Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus)
    ACTA UNIVERSITATIS AGRICULTURAE ET SILVICULTURAE MENDELIANAE BRUNENSIS Volume LIX 28 Number 3, 2011 BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS OF THE CAGE-HOUSED BREEDING FLOCK OF PHEASANTS (PHASIANUS COLCHICUS) D. Zapletal, P. Suchý, E. Straková, F. Vitula, J. Kuchtík Received: December 1, 2010 Abstract ZAPLETAL, D., SUCHÝ, P., STRAKOVÁ, E., VITULA, F., KUCHTÍK, J.: Behaviour patterns of the cage- housed breeding fl ock of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Acta univ. agric. et silvic. Mendel. Brun., 2011, LIX, No. 3, pp. 215–220 The aim of this work was to investigate the behaviour patterns of a cage-housed breeding fl ock of pheasants during the day in the early stage of laying period, and evaluate the diff erences in behaviour patterns between male and female pheasants. Observations were carried out with a fl ock of common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) consisting of 1 male and 5 female pheasants aged 2 years that showed a minimum rate of aggression in the previous laying. Behaviour patterns of birds were studied using a 15-minute video recording taken at each hour during the day (from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.). The rates of activities such as feeding, movement, resting, scratching, preening, mating and aggression in female pheasants diff ered signifi cantly from those in the male, as observed throughout the day. The rate of feeding had 2 peaks in hens (in early morning and late evening). Generally, the feed intake in females was observed throughout the day whereas the male received feed less frequently but at a higher rate, particularly in the a ernoon. The highest rate of movement was observed for both male and female pheasants in morning hours followed by a decline in movement activities which was slow in hens and rapid in the cock, with the subsequent second peak before dark.
    [Show full text]
  • The Autobiograhpy of Otto Widmann
    146 The Wilson Bulletin-September, 1927 THE AUTOBIOGKAHPY OF OTTO WIDMANN I have been asked how I got my great love of birds, whether it is inherited or acquired. To this I can answer that my love of nature was inherited and cultivated in early youth, but my great love of birds was acquired in manhood. I do not know much about my mother, because she died when I was only ten years old; but I know that she loved gardening, for I was told that she worked in the garden on the day of the evening I was born during a thunderstorm June 15, 1841. My father was a nature lover and a devoted friend of everything beautiful in God’s creation and as such admired the love- liest of all creatures, the birds, although he did not make a real study of them. He was especially interested in plant life and had collected in his younger y-ears a large herbarium. Being connected with the management of the domains of the state, the grand duchy of Baden, he had opportunity to gather minerals on his tours of inspection and had in the course of time assembled a fine collection. He was a mem- ber of a club which met every evening from 6 to 8. Other members were also friends of animals and plants and when they learned of something unusual, told what they knew or brought specimens to the club, leaving them with those most interested. In this way my father brought home curiosities which made lasting impressions.
    [Show full text]
  • Early Birding Book
    Early Birding in Dutchess County 1870 - 1950 Before Binoculars to Field Guides by Stan DeOrsey Published on behalf of The Ralph T. Waterman Bird Club, Inc. Poughkeepsie, New York 2016 Copyright © 2016 by Stan DeOrsey All rights reserved First printing July 2016 Digital version June 2018, with minor changes and new pages added at the end. Digital version July 2019, pages added at end. Cover images: Front: - Frank Chapman’s Birds of Eastern North America (1912 ed.) - LS Horton’s post card of his Long-eared Owl photograph (1906). - Rhinebeck Bird Club’s second Year Book with Crosby’s “Birds and Seasons” articles (1916). - Chester Reed’s Bird Guide, Land Birds East of the Rockies (1908 ed.) - 3x binoculars c.1910. Back: 1880 - first bird list for Dutchess County by Winfrid Stearns. 1891 - The Oölogist’s Journal published in Poughkeepsie by Fred Stack. 1900 - specimen tag for Canada Warbler from CC Young collection at Vassar College. 1915 - membership application for Rhinebeck Bird Club. 1921 - Maunsell Crosby’s county bird list from Rhinebeck Bird Club’s last Year Book. 1939 - specimen tag from Vassar Brothers Institute Museum. 1943 - May Census checklist, reading: Raymond Guernsey, Frank L. Gardner, Jr., Ruth Turner & AF [Allen Frost] (James Gardner); May 16, 1943, 3:30am - 9:30pm; Overcast & Cold all day; Thompson Pond, Cruger Island, Mt. Rutson, Vandenburg’s Cove, Poughkeepsie, Lake Walton, Noxon [in LaGrange], Sylvan Lake, Crouse’s Store [in Union Vale], Chestnut Ridge, Brickyard Swamp, Manchester, & Home via Red Oaks Mill. They counted 117 species, James Gardner, Frank’s brother, added 3 more.
    [Show full text]
  • A Note on Artificial Regeneration of Acacia
    The Pakistan Journal of Forestry Vol.63(2), 2013 STATUS AND CONSERVATION OF PHEASANTS IN KAGHAN VALLEY Mian Muhammad Shafiq1 and Muhammad Saqib2 ABSTRACT Pheasants are considered the most beautiful birds in the world. Out of 49 species of pheasant found in the world five species i.e. Monal, (Lophoporus impejanus) koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha), Kalij (Lophura leucomelana), western horned Tragopan (Gragopan melanocephalus) and Cheer (Catreus wallichi) are found in Pakistan while four (4) species i.e. Monal, Koklass, Kalij and Western horned Tragopan are found in the study areas of Kaghan valley. This study was conducted in the Kaghan valley to know the status and conservation of pheasants. A questionnaire was designed and the villages were selected which were located near the reserve forest. A sample of 60 persons were interviewed in detail. The study revealed that the climate and topography of target area provides good habitat to pheasants, but impediments such as illegal hunting, poaching and human interference are the main causes for the decline in population. However declaration of some areas of the Kaghan valley as protected area (National park and wildlife sanctuary) has considerably contributed in the increase of pheasant population. The major earthquake in 2005 in the area had considerably decreased the population of pheasants as well as it has damaged the habitat of pheasants. It is recommended that there should be control on deforestation, habitat improvement and awareness raising campaign should also be carried out. INTRODUCTION Pheasants are the gallinaceous birds with beautiful, brilliant, multicolored and highly ornamental plumage. (Shah, 1987). Within the order Galliformes the pheasants comprise a very huge family with over 16 Genera amongst which there are 49 distinct species and sub species (13 occurring in sub continent) (IUCN, 1998).
    [Show full text]
  • M.Sc Zoology Programme in Tune with the New CBCSS PG Regulations with Effect from 2019 Admission Onwards, Vide Paper Read Second Above
    File Ref.No.7652/GA - IV - J1/2012/CU UNIVERSITY OF CALICUT Abstract General and Academic - Faculty of Science - Syllabus of MSc Zoology Programme for affiliated colleges under CBCSS PG Regulations 2019 with effect from 2019 Admission onwards - Implemented- Orders Issued G & A - IV - J U.O.No. 10507/2019/Admn Dated, Calicut University.P.O, 07.08.2019 Read:-1. U.O No.4487/2019/Admn dated 26.03.2019 2. Item No. 1 of the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Studies in Zoology PG held on 28.06.2019 3. Remark from the Dean, Faculty of Science dated 30.07.2019. ORDER The Regulations for Choice Based Credit and Semester System for Post Graduate (PG) Curriculum- 2019 (CBCSS PG Regulations 2019) for all PG Programmes under CBCSS for Affiliated Colleges and SDE/Private Registration w.e.f. 2019 admission has been implemented vide paper read first above. The meeting of Board of Studies in Zoology PG held on 28.06.2019 has approved the Syllabus of M.Sc Zoology Programme in tune with the new CBCSS PG Regulations with effect from 2019 Admission onwards, vide paper read second above. The Dean, Faculty of Science has approved the minutes of the meeting of the Board of Studies in Zoology PG held on 28.06.2019 vide paper read third above. Under these circumstances , considering the urgency, the Vice Chancellor has accorded sanction to implement the Scheme and Syllabus of M.Sc Zoology Programme in accordance with the new CBCSS PG Regulations 2019, in the University with effect from 2019 Admission onwards, subject to ratification by the Academic Council.
    [Show full text]
  • MONITORING PHEASANTS (Phasianidae) in the WESTERN HIMALAYAS to MEASURE the IMPACT of HYDRO-ELECTRIC PROJECTS
    THE RING 33, 1-2 (2011) DOI 10.2478/v10050-011-0003-7 MONITORING PHEASANTS (Phasianidae) IN THE WESTERN HIMALAYAS TO MEASURE THE IMPACT OF HYDRO-ELECTRIC PROJECTS Virat Jolli, Maharaj K. Pandit ABSTRACT Jolli V., Pandit M.K. 2011. Monitoring pheasants (Phasianidae) in the Western Himalayas to measure the impact of hydro-electric projects. Ring 33, 1-2: 37-46. In this study, we monitored pheasants abundance to measure the impact of a hydro- electric development project. The pheasants abundance was monitored using “call count” and line transect methods during breeding seasons in 2009-2011. Three call count stations and 3 transects were laid with varying levels of anthropogenic disturbance. To understand how the hydro power project could effect the pheasant population in the Jiwa Valley, we monitored it under two conditions; in the presence of hydro-electric project (HEP) con- struction and when human activity significantly declined. The Koklass Pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha), Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichi) and Western Tragopan (Tragopan melano- cephalus) were not recorded in Manjhan Adit in 2009. During 2010 and 2011 springs, the construction activity was temporarily discontinued in Manjhan Adit. The pheasants re- sponded positively to this and their abundance increased near disturbed sites (Manjhan Adit). The strong response of pheasants to anthropogenic disturbance has ecological appli- cation and thus can be used by wildlife management in the habitat quality monitoring in the Himalayan Mountains. V. Jolli (corresponding author), M.K. Pandit, Centre for Inter-disciplinary Studies of Mountain and Hill Environment, Academic Research Building, Patel Road, Univ. of Delhi, Delhi, India, E-mail: [email protected] Key words: call count, anthropogenic disturbance, pheasant, monitoring, hydro-electric project INTRODUCTION Birds have been used extensively in environment and habitat quality monitoring.
    [Show full text]
  • Thermoregulatory Role of the Unfeathered Head and Neck in Male Wild Turkeys
    The Auk 113(2):310-318, 1996 THERMOREGULATORY ROLE OF THE UNFEATHERED HEAD AND NECK IN MALE WILD TURKEYS RICHARD BUCHHOLZ • Departmentof Zoology,University of Florida Gainesville,Florida 32611, USA AI•STRACT.--Thebrightly colored,unfeathered heads and necks of male Wild Turkeys (Meleagrisgallopavo) are generallythought to functionin sexualselection. However, studies in other bird specieshave suggestedthat uninsulatedbody regionsmay serve an important role in heat dissipation.I test the heat-dissipationhypothesis in Wild Turkeysby experi- mentally reinsulatingthe headsand necksof Wild Turkeysas though they were feathered. The oxygenconsumption, thermal conductance,cooling capacity, surface temperatures, and core temperatureof control and reinsulatedWild Turkeyswere comparedat 0ø, 22 ø and 35ø(2. Head insulationresulted in significantlyincreased rates of oxygenconsumption, higher body temperatures,and decreasedcooling capacitiesat 35øC,but had no significanteffect at the other temperaturestested. It appearsthat behavioral changesat low temperatures,such as tucking the head under the back feathers,effectively prevent the heat lossthat would oth- erwise be causedby the absenceof feathers.However, if the head were feathere& turkeys at high temperatureswould be unable to dissipatesufficient heat to maintain thermeostasis. Thus,given this finding for Wild Turkeys,it canno longerbe saidthat in all casesbare heads in birds have evolved by sexualselection alone. Lossof head and neck featbering in Wild Turkeysand other birdsmay have allowed thesespecies
    [Show full text]
  • Simplified-ORL-2019-5.1-Final.Pdf
    The Ornithological Society of the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia (OSME) The OSME Region List of Bird Taxa, Part F: Simplified OSME Region List (SORL) version 5.1 August 2019. (Aligns with ORL 5.1 July 2019) The simplified OSME list of preferred English & scientific names of all taxa recorded in the OSME region derives from the formal OSME Region List (ORL); see www.osme.org. It is not a taxonomic authority, but is intended to be a useful quick reference. It may be helpful in preparing informal checklists or writing articles on birds of the region. The taxonomic sequence & the scientific names in the SORL largely follow the International Ornithological Congress (IOC) List at www.worldbirdnames.org. We have departed from this source when new research has revealed new understanding or when we have decided that other English names are more appropriate for the OSME Region. The English names in the SORL include many informal names as denoted thus '…' in the ORL. The SORL uses subspecific names where useful; eg where diagnosable populations appear to be approaching species status or are species whose subspecies might be elevated to full species (indicated by round brackets in scientific names); for now, we remain neutral on the precise status - species or subspecies - of such taxa. Future research may amend or contradict our presentation of the SORL; such changes will be incorporated in succeeding SORL versions. This checklist was devised and prepared by AbdulRahman al Sirhan, Steve Preddy and Mike Blair on behalf of OSME Council. Please address any queries to [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Survey of Western Tragopan, Koklass Pheasant, and Himalayan Monal Populations in the John Corder, World Pheasant Association
    60 Indian BIRDS Vol. 6 No. 3 (Publ. 7th August 2010) Survey of Western Tragopan, Koklass Pheasant, and Himalayan Monal populations in the Pheasant Association. World John Corder, Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India Fig. 1. Himalayan Monal Lophophorus Jennifer R. B. Miller impejanus. Miller, J. R. B. 2010. Survey of Western Tragopan, Koklass Pheasant, and Himalayan Monal populations in the Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India. Indian BIRDS 6 (3): XXX–XXX. Jennifer R. B. Miller1, Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven Connecticut 06511, USA. Email: [email protected] Surveys conducted in the late 1990’s indicated that pheasant populations in the Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh, India were declining. In 1999, the government legally notified the park and authorities began enforcing the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, banning biomass extraction within park boundaries and reducing human disturbance. Populations of three pheasant species (Western Tragopan, Koklass Pheasant and Himalayan Monal) were subsequently surveyed in the park during the breeding season (April–May) in 2008. Call counts and line transects were used to assess current abundances and gather more information on the characteristics of these species in the wild. Relative abundances of all three species were significantly higher than in previous surveys. Tragopan males began their breeding calls in late April and continued through May whereas Koklass males called consistently throughout the study period. The daily peak calling periods of the two species overlapped, but Tragopan males began calling earlier in the morning than Koklass males. Monals were most often sighted alone or in pairs and larger groups tended to have equal sex composition or a slightly higher number of females than males.
    [Show full text]